Ash cloud causes flights havoc

Ash from Chile's erupting volcano has forced the cancellation of dozens of flights in South America

Ash from a volcanic eruption in Chile has led to the cancellation of flights in parts of South America.

Two important airports in Buenos Aires stopped flights as a result of the cloud of fine grit that can harm the engines of planes.

Flights between Australia and New Zealand were also suspended as the ash from Chile's Cordon Caulle volcano made its way across the Pacific Ocean.

Such events highlight the need for an adequate
travel insurance policy before travellers make trips to foreign countries.

The disruption of flights at the Buenos Aires' airports forced UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to fly to the city of Cordoba and then travel by car for a meeting with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez in the capital.

All flights at the international airport in Montevideo, Uruguay were cancelled and some were grounded in Chile, Paraguay and Brazil.

Airlines in Australia were able to resume operations and transport stranded travellers after the ash cloud moved away from Melbourne.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said there was a possibility of more flight disruptions later in the week.